Registration Information

Event Details

Since the previous HELM course on Places of Worship held in 2007/8 and a number of changes to the way in which churches are managed have been introduced. These include the new Faculty Jurisdiction Rules of 2015, the Heritage Lottery Fund’s operation of church repair grants, Historic England’s initiative on places of worship at risk, the introduction of diocesan support officers and the Society for the Protection of Ancient Monument’s Maintenance Cooperative. These provide a background for the training. In particular the course will set out the legislative and policy context in which changes to churches are considered (predominantly within the Church of England ) with a particular focus on the new Faculty Jurisdiction Rules. It will explain Historic England’s role together with that of other historic environment consultees. This will help delegates to understand the system and processes to follow when considering changes and how and when to seek advice.

Many churches are looking for ways to extend the use of church buildings to maintain their role within local communities and to help with the responsibility for caring for them. The course will help parishes to understand and articulate what is important about their church and produce a good statement of significance and show how this can be used to guide change. It will build upon the advice set out in New Work in Historic Places of Worship and encourage creative solutions for adapting churches and show examples of best practice. This will enable parishes to better understand the importance of the churches in their care and to think sensitively and creatively about how to adapt their buildings in a way that sustains this.

Please note, this content of this course is aimed at introducing parishes to the legislative and policy context for looking after their church. It is unlikely to be suitable for heritage professionals.

Programme (subject to change)

0930 Refreshments and Registration

1000 Welcome and Introduction

1005 Yesterday, today and tomorrow: the changing needs of users

1030 Key factors affecting change

1050 Q&A

1100 What is a conservation architect? How can they help and where can I find one?

1120 Journeys through change (practical exercise)

1150 Feedback from group task

1205 New uses in places of worship

1225 Life after worship

1245 Q&A

1300 Lunch

1400 The long term care of places of worship

1420 Maintenance stories (practical exercise)

1505 An introduction to the Heritage at Risk programme

1525 Heritage Lottery Fund grants

1545 Q&A

1600 Close

Terms and Conditions

Booking is essential for all courses as places are limited. Please note that we are initially only able to allocate 2 places per organisation. Please note, these training events are provided free of charge by Historic England, and places are at a premium. You can send a replacement or notify us by e mail if you book and then can’t attend. Non-attendance will incur a fee of £150 unless you contact us at least 5 days in advance.

Please also be aware photography or filming may take place at events for promotional use.

We use the Eventbrite online booking service to make it easier for you book onto our events. If you don’t want to book online using this service, please contact one of our Training Delivery Officers to request a booking form (email:helmbookings@HistoricEngland.org.uk)